“Castro’s statement was a surprising development, considering his regime’s record on human rights abuses,” said Center officials.

Nevertheless, the letter noted that his words have carried considerable weight in Latin America for over 50 years. “We urge you to use that influence to make good on your words, by invoking your condemnation of anti-Semitism – and sensitivity to the Holocaust as an existential trauma for the State of Israel – to your admirer and self-proclaimed disciple, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez,” stated the letter, co-signed by Dr. Shimon Samuels, SWC Director for International Relations and Sergio Widder, SWC Latin American Director.

“We have exposed serious anti-Semitic incidents in Venezuela emanating from Chavez followers. Due to reluctant governmental reaction, our protests led to strong criticism from the Organization of American States (OAS). … Perhaps Castro could have greater leverage on Chávez to criminalize anti-Semitism and incitement to all forms of hate in Venezuela,” suggested Samuels.

The letter concluded in proposing that “Castro validate his warnings by coopting Chávez in pressing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to end to his Holocaust-denial campaign, his threats against the State of Israel, and his nuclear weaponization programme.”

For further information contact Shimon Samuels at +336 09770158, or Sergio Widder at +54911 4425-1306. Join the Center on Facebook, www.facebook.com/simonwiesenthalcenter or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent direct to your Twitter page or mobile device.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400.000 members. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS and the Latin American Parliament.